Mehrnoush Toufan Tabrizi, Saeed Mohammadzadeh Gharebaghi, Leili Pourafkari, Afshin Habibzadeh, Parastoo Chaichi, Elham Delir Abdollahi,
Volume 17, Issue 12 (3-2015)
Abstract
Background: Heart failure with normal ejection fraction (HFNEF) is commonly seen in adults. It is possible that old patients with HFNEF have severe clinical status. The aim of current study is to evaluate clinical and echocardiographic findings in old patients compared to young patients with HFNEF.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional analytical study, 126 patients with HFNEF were evaluated in two groups of patients &ge60 years old (n=52) and <60 years old (n=74) for demographic, clinical and echocardiographic findings.
Results: Patients &ge60 years old had significantly more hyperlipidemia, less hypertension and more FC II. Patients &ge60 years old also had significantly larger septal wall thickness, lower end diastolic and systolic volume, end systolic diameter, E/A ratio and septal E’, lower diastolic dysfunction grade, higher left ventricle ejection fraction, left atrial volume index, E/E’ ratio and deceleration time compared to patients <60 years old.
Conclusion: Old patients with HFNEF have different clinical and echocardiographic findings compared to younger patients which are indicative of the disease severity in some cases. So, exact evaluation of the patients could be helpful in early diagnosis of these patients and providing an adequate treatment.
Seyede Faezeh Fazelian, Ali Mohammadzadeh, Homa Zarinkub, Alireza Akbarzadeh Baghban,
Volume 23, Issue 3 (August & September 2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Lip reading is extraction of speech data from the activity of the lower part of face, particularly jaws, lips, tongue, and teeth that is a natural skill in people with hearing loss. The main purpose of lip reading is to increase the independence of people with hearing loss. Looking at the speakers facial movements significantly increase the ability to understand the spoken words, particularly in the environments where noise is present. In fact this reflects the important role of visual signals. In current study we consider the effects of education on lip reading ability by planning and instructing a lip reading program in male subjects.
Methods & Materials: Sara lip reading test 1 and 2 were used for the assessment of lip reading skills and for studying the effects of lip reading training on recognition of speech. This intervention as a semi-experimental study, was conducted on 27 male students, selected by available sampling. For data analysis, statistical analysis of variance with repeated measurements and Mcnemar was used.
Ethical Considerations: This research with the code IR.SBMU.REC.1394.144 has been approved by the ethics committee of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences.
Results: There were significant differences between Sara lip reading test 1 scores in 2 positions (P=0.000).Lip reading test scores also showed significant differences in Sara lip reading test 2 in 2 positions (P=0.000). Also between the scores of Consonant-vowel, consonant-vowel syllables, in the position before teaching lip-reading and then ,was significant difference (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that instructing lip reading has a positive effect on lip-reading ability in people.
Nahid Chezani Sharahi, Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini, Khalil Alimohammadzadeh, Ali Hassan Shaban Khamseh, Mohammadkarim Bahadori,
Volume 28, Issue 6 (1-2026)
Abstract
Introduction: Health system planning, as a core function of health governance, plays a crucial role in resource allocation, performance improvement, and equity promotion. Despite recent reforms, evidence suggests that planning processes in Iran’s health system still face significant structural, managerial, and implementation challenges. This study aimed to identify and explain the key challenges of health system planning in Iran.
Methods: qualitative study was conducted using a thematic analysis approach. Seventeen participants—including senior and middle managers, faculty members, and health planning experts at national and university levels—were selected through purposive sampling with maximum variation. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews over eight months and analyzed using MAXQDA version 20. Credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability were ensured to strengthen the trustworthiness of the findings.
Results: Thematic analysis led to the identification of 160 initial codes, 36 organized themes, and 9 overarching themes. The main categories of challenges included: human resources, leadership and governance, processes and regulations, inter- and intra-sectoral coordination, budgeting and financing, physical infrastructure and equipment, health information and technology, service delivery, and sociopolitical–cultural–economic factors. Major issues were found in managerial transparency, cross-sectoral collaboration, financial constraints, and the lack of systematic monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
Conclusions: The Iranian health planning system suffers from centralization, structural ambiguities, limited stakeholder participation, and weak information systems. Strengthening evidence-informed policymaking, enhancing transparency and accountability, and reforming governance structures are essential for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of health system planning.
